Chapter 11
POV: Li Yun
I stared at the downcast expressions of some people who didn't pass the first test as they were led out of the venue in disappointment.
"Good. Those who passed the first test are now qualified to become outer disciples of our sect. Now, we will move on to the second test."
The elder announced this, causing those who barely made it to burst with joy. They knew that with how hard the first test was, they weren't certain they would complete the second test.
I sighed in relief, knowing that I could still join the Blue Sky Sect, even if there was a chance I might fail one of the tests.
"Now, let us begin the second test."
The elder's voice brought my attention back. I focused as some disciples of the Blue Sky Sect arrived, each carrying massive boulders the size of a house. The boulders were inscribed with glowing blue markings that I couldn't understand, but I knew at a glance that these were no ordinary stones.
"Hm, let us proceed."
The elder turned towards the boulders and presented them.
"These are Qi Artifacts, crafted by two of our elders."
He pointed to the elders as two figures stepped out.
"10th-rank Spirit Forger—Elder Poh."
He gestured to the first. Elder Poh had a slightly chubby build, but that didn't fool me. I could clearly see how defined and muscular his arms and legs were. He had a square, rugged face like a typical blacksmith, a stubby beard, and most noticeably—a scar ran across his right eye. In its place was a glowing yellow orb that exuded an aura of pressure.
"Humph."
Elder Poh let out a grunt as he crossed his arms with a stern expression, causing some of the participants to swallow nervously, intimidated by his appearance.
"And to his left is our 8th-rank Grand Formation Master—Elder Su."
The elder pointed to the person next to Elder Poh—a woman exuding an aura of allure. Her Blue Sky Sect robes clung to her curvy figure, but her face was covered by a veil, leaving many to wonder about the beauty hidden beneath.
Similar to Elder Poh, she remained silent and still. However, I noticed several perverted participants eyeing her figure lecherously. Among them, I recognized one of the four competitors I had marked earlier as a rival.
He wore a loose robe that showcased his muscular body, adorned with all kinds of flashy accessories. He looked like a typical playboy—or a corrupt young master.
Seeing his lecherous gaze, along with those of the others, caused me to scrunch my face in dissatisfaction at their blatant disrespect toward her.
Alas, I couldn't do anything for now. I simply sighed and bowed my head, offering a silent prayer for her.
Just then, I felt as if someone's gaze locked onto me—but it quickly disappeared when I raised my head to glance toward the elders again. I shrugged it off and continued listening.
"For this test, you simply need to punch the boulder. It will gauge your strength, Qi level, and cultivation rank."
Hearing this, I nodded. I was confident I could pass this test. However, I noticed some participants turn pale upon hearing how the test worked. I could vaguely guess that some of them were probably lucky individuals who had stumbled into the cultivation world—simple farmers with strong wills.
Although I pitied them, I also believed it might be for the best if they didn't show too much worth here. The path of cultivation was dangerous. If they shone too brightly now, they might attract unsavory characters.
Still, if they did succeed and became fellow disciples, even at different ranks, I would do my best to guide them on the path of God and cultivation as their senior brother.
This thought was not out of pride, but because God had already chosen my destiny, and He would guide me through it. Everything I had was His. And so, I prayed once more as the test began.
---
One by one, the examinees stepped forward and punched the boulder.
For many, the inscriptions glowed faintly, revealing only minor strength—barely qualifying them.
For others, the inscriptions flared bright blue, indicating higher cultivation levels and inner strength.
Then Han Fei stepped forward.
Without hesitation, he formed a solid stance and calmly punched the boulder. The inscriptions blazed a brilliant blue that expanded outward in rings of light.
"Peak of Qi refinement Realm," one of the elders announced.
Impressed murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Next was Lin Zhen.
He rolled his neck, letting out a breath before delivering a thunderous punch. The boulder shook violently as the inscriptions shone bright—almost rivaling Han Fei's.
"Early Peak Qi refinement Realm," the elder said.
Lin Zhen smirked in satisfaction and returned to the group.
Then came the turn of the lecherous young master.
Grinning confidently, he strutted toward the boulder, flexing for the spectators and casting another disgusting glance toward Elder Su.
With a dramatic yell, he punched the boulder—but though the impact looked flashy, the inscriptions glowed only modestly.
"8th Qi refinement Stage," the elder announced flatly.
A few snickers echoed through the crowd. The young master's face darkened with embarrassment as he quickly slunk back to his spot.
Seeing this, I couldn't help but shake my head.
---
Finally, my name was called.
I walked forward calmly. My heart remained steady, guided by faith.
Standing before the boulder, I whispered a quiet prayer, then took my stance.
With a focused breath, I unleashed a punch, letting my inner Qi flow naturally through my fist.
*BOOM!*
The inscriptions on the boulder surged with brilliant blue light, brighter than most had shown so far. Ripples of energy pulsed outward.
The elder squinted at the result, then spoke.
"Peak Qi refinement Realm—solid and stable foundation."
I heard some murmurs from the spectators. Some were surprised that a boy of my appearance could display such strength.
I stepped back quietly, giving glory to God in my heart, and waited for the test to continue.
---
The second test proceeded. More participants were eliminated, but many, including my strongest rivals, passed.
With the second trial complete, tension built in the air as we waited for the announcement of the third test.
And so the path continued—one step closer to entering the Blue Sky Sect.
---